“I started when I was about 15, and I was just fascinated by it. I was always more interested in individual sports. I just had natural potential. I used to grow like a mushroom. I still enjoy it. I just enjoy training. It’s a bit of a challenge, but I come down here three or four times a week.”

Originally from Barbados, Ted started weight training at the age of seven. He has enjoyed a successful career in showbusiness having worked around the world with the likes of Sofia Loren and Italian actor Walter Chiari.

He said: “The reason I wanted to be in Mr Universe? It was a boyhood dream. After I entered it, I changed my training programme and I trained myself for showbusiness. I was smart enough to combine gymnastics and flexibility work to run parallel with my bodybuilding. Regardless of what you do in the gym if you allow your flexibility to remain stagnant you’re building a foundation on quicksand.

“It’s in my blood to keep fit. I like to walk down the street knowing that if someone tries to take advantage of me there’s a 99 per cent chance they will lose.”

The friends stretch it out Picture: Rob Collins

Andrew Smith, Inspire central manager, said: “I think it’s absolutely amazing we have two men over 70 that are so fit and Ted especially is a fantastic example. I don’t know of any other 70 year old that can carry out the exercises he can do.”

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